Gervais has been confirmed as the lead in the next Muppets movie. Modern Family's Ty Burrell will also star in the follow-up to Jason Segel and Amy Adams's recent The Muppets.

When asked whether his longtime friend and collaborator Karl Pilkington may get a cameo in the film, Gervais suggested that his Derek co-star could work well alongside Muppet character Dr Bunsen Honeydew.

Gervais said that Pilkington and Bunsen's "completely round heads" made them a perfect match.

Speaking earlier this year about working on the movie, Gervais said: "I'm in awe of The Muppets. I've loved them for like 35 years and I met Elmo and that was a highlight. I actually can't wait, I'm really excited - I'm just genuinely like a child.

"I was there yesterday on set and honestly I'm like an 8-year-old at Christmas! I love it."